Norway Mourns King Harald V as Crowned Prince Haakon Ascends to Throne

OSLO, Norway — Tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo on Saturday, laying flowers and condolence cards to honor Norway’s late King Harald V following his death at 89.

The palace grounds transformed into a vibrant tribute, with bouquets covering Slottsplassen, the square before the palace, as a steady flow of Norwegians paid their respects. Palace staff meticulously removed excess flowers to maintain clear pathways and preserved soaked condolence cards from rain to safeguard the heartfelt messages for historical records, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Nationwide, churches and city halls opened their doors on Saturday, allowing citizens to light candles and inscribe their reflections in official condolence books.

The royal coffin was transported to the palace on Friday evening from the National Hospital, where Harald had passed away.

“It’s special, intimate, and lovely. I’m placing my right hand on my chest in gratitude to him and the royal family,” said Roni Ervik, 46, representing his western Norway family as he honored the late monarch.

Harald’s death on Friday morning marked the official ascension of his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, to the throne as King Haakon VIII. His wife assumed the title of Queen Mette-Marit, while their eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, was named Crown Princess and heir apparent.

Haakon, well-versed in royal duties, had served as regent during his father’s declining health in recent years.

Later Saturday, a choir performed in Royal Palace Square as the new king prepared for audiences with Norway’s political and religious leaders, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Supreme Court Chief Justice, and the Lutheran Church Presiding Bishop, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra also in attendance.

King Haakon is anticipated to address the nation within days, initiating efforts to solidify public support for the monarchy amid past controversies involving his wife’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his stepson’s criminal conviction.

While a funeral date remains unannounced, Norway remains in an official state of mourning, with some citizens postponing weddings and baptisms until after the mourning period concludes.

Norway’s monarchy traces its roots to King Harald Fairhair of the ninth century. Following independence from Sweden in 1905, 75% of voters endorsed restoring the monarchy. Today, the constitutional role is largely ceremonial, with parliamentary governance, though the royals remain influential cultural ambassadors promoting Norway’s global standing.

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